The Two-Way

10:52 am

Sat September 7, 2013

Rim Fire Is Third-Largest Wildfire In California's History

A charred tree rests on the forest floor after being sawn down to a stump Friday. Firefighters are still working to contain the Rim Fire, which is now the third-largest wildfire in California's history.

Mike McMillanU.S. Forest Service

The Rim wildfire that began three weeks ago today is now 80 percent contained, officials say, but it has burned more than a quarter of a million acres, and it may continue to grow, thanks to low humidity and other conditions.

More than 3,400 people have helped fight the blaze, the U.S. Forest Service says in its latest status update. Air quality concerns have led to warnings hundreds of miles away, according to NBC News. Officials say a shift in wind direction could help clear out the smoke on Monday.

"Officials say it could take a few more weeks for total containment. The weekend weather forecast, calling high temperatures and low humidity levels, could contribute to even further growth.

"Despite its wide scope, the Rim Fire is far from becoming the worst in California history. That distinction goes to the so-called Cedar wildfire, which swept through 427 square miles of San Diego County 10 years ago. The blaze destroyed 2,800 buildings and resulted in the deaths of 14 people.

"Investigators say both the Cedar and now the Rim Fire were started by careless hunters."

Officials on Friday reopened a portion of State Route 120 to traffic, from Groveland, Calif., to Yosemite National Park, but many other access roads remain closed. You can keep an eye on the Rim Fire and other blazes at KPCC's Fire Tracker service.